US20220314282A1 - Device for sorting a container, and associated facility and method - Google Patents

Device for sorting a container, and associated facility and method Download PDF

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Publication number
US20220314282A1
US20220314282A1 US17/597,331 US202017597331A US2022314282A1 US 20220314282 A1 US20220314282 A1 US 20220314282A1 US 202017597331 A US202017597331 A US 202017597331A US 2022314282 A1 US2022314282 A1 US 2022314282A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
arm
path
chip
alcoholic liquid
bottle containing
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US17/597,331
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English (en)
Inventor
Alexandre Jean Antoine MONGRENIER
Benoit Eric SUDRE
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Wid Group SAS
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Wid Group SAS
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Assigned to WID GROUP reassignment WID GROUP ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MONGRENIER, Alexandre Jean Antoine, SUDRE, Benoit Eric
Publication of US20220314282A1 publication Critical patent/US20220314282A1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C5/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
    • B07C5/34—Sorting according to other particular properties
    • B07C5/3412—Sorting according to other particular properties according to a code applied to the object which indicates a property of the object, e.g. quality class, contents or incorrect indication
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C5/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
    • B07C5/34—Sorting according to other particular properties
    • B07C5/3404—Sorting according to other particular properties according to properties of containers or receptacles, e.g. rigidity, leaks, fill-level

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for sorting a container.
  • the invention also relates to a sorting facility comprising such a sorting device.
  • the invention also relates to a container-sorting method.
  • the invention relates to the field of container logistics.
  • Such containers are, for example, bottles of wine.
  • the path followed by the bottle of wine involves a plurality of actors, including a producer, a distributor and a retailer, with the consumer buying from the retailer.
  • the harvesting of the grapes is carried out.
  • the grapes must be harvested at the right time, and determining this time requires a great deal of skill.
  • harvesting is done by hand or with harvester machines.
  • bunches of grapes are sorted, in particular to eliminate unsuitable fruit.
  • crushing and pressing take place.
  • the crushing and pressing step is usually carried out automatically to obtain a juice.
  • the third step is fermentation, usually carried out in a fermentation chamber.
  • the juice undergoes a chemical transformation, alcoholic fermentation, during which the glucose becomes ethanol.
  • the next step is clarification to remove all waste and residue from the wine.
  • the clarification is implemented by a filter or by fining.
  • the sixth step is to bottle the wine.
  • the wine is bottled after the maturation phase.
  • the bottles are sterilised.
  • a rinser is then used to wash the empty bottles, then a filler to fill the bottles with wine, and finally a corker to put a stopper on the neck of the bottles.
  • the bottling stage also includes overcapping and labelling.
  • the seventh step is the crating of the wine.
  • the present description relates to a sorting device for sorting a container for a conveyor of containers, the container comprising an electronic chip comprising a memory storing at least one data item from among a data item relating to the container and a data item relating to the electronic chip, the conveyor being suitable for moving the container, the conveyor having at least a first path and a second path, the sorting device comprising a chip reader configured to read the at least one data item stored in the memory of the electronic chip, called the read data, an arm movable between a first position and at least one second guiding position, the at least one second guiding position being distinct from the first position, and in the at least one second guiding position, the arm being configured to force the container from the first path to follow the second path, a calculator adapted to deliver a law for controlling the arm to control the position of the arm, the law for controlling the arm depending on the at least one read data.
  • the sorting device comprises one or more of the following features taken in isolation or in any combination that is technically possible:
  • the present description also relates to a facility for sorting a container, the facility comprising a conveyor suitable for moving the container to be sorted, and a sorting device for sorting a container, the sorting device being configured to sort the container moved by the conveyor.
  • the present description further relates to a sorting method implemented by a sorting device for sorting a container for a conveyor of containers, the container comprising an electronic chip comprising a memory storing at least one data item from among a data item relating to the container and a data item relating to the electronic chip, the conveyor being suitable for moving the container, the conveyor having at least a first path and a second path, the sorting device comprising a chip reader configured to read the at least one data item stored in the memory of the electronic chip, called the read data, an arm movable between a first position and at least one second guiding position, the at least one second guiding position being distinct from the first position, and in the at least one second guiding position, the arm being configured to force the container from the first path to follow the second path, a calculator adapted to deliver a law for controlling the arm to control the position of the arm, the law for controlling the arm depending on the at least one read data, the method comprising the steps of: the chip reader reading the at least one data item saved by the memory of
  • FIG. 1 a perspective view of a container sorting facility comprising a sorting device with an arm in a first position
  • FIG. 2 a schematic top view of a part of the facility of FIG. 1 , in which an arm of the sorting device has a first position
  • FIG. 3 a schematic top view of a part of the facility of FIG. 1 , in which an arm of the sorting device has a second position,
  • FIG. 4 a view of the arm in a second position distinct from that of FIG. 3 ,
  • FIG. 5 a view of the arm in a second position distinct from that of FIG. 4 ,
  • FIG. 6 a view of the arm in a second position distinct from that of FIG. 5 ,
  • FIG. 7 a schematic view of another example of an arm in a first position
  • FIG. 8 a schematic view of the arm of FIG. 7 in a second position
  • FIG. 9 a schematic view of the arm of FIG. 7 in a second position distinct from that of FIG. 8 .
  • FIG. 10 a schematic view of the arm of FIG. 7 in a second position distinct from that of FIG. 9 .
  • a container sorting facility 10 is depicted in FIG. 1 .
  • the sorting facility 10 is designed to sort a plurality of containers 12 .
  • the containers 12 to be sorted are, for example, containers 12 which are part of an order of containers and which are to be sorted.
  • containers are also intended to be accounted for.
  • a longitudinal direction is defined.
  • the longitudinal direction is represented by the X-axis and is referred to in the following as the “longitudinal direction X”.
  • a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X is also defined.
  • the transverse direction is represented by a Y-axis and is referred to in the following as the “transverse direction Y”.
  • a dimension of a facility element 10 measured in the transverse direction Y is called “width”.
  • a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y is also defined.
  • the vertical direction is represented by a Z-axis and is referred to in the following as the “vertical direction Z”.
  • an element A is located below an element B, when element A has a lower elevation than element B, in the vertical direction Z.
  • Each container 12 is, for example, a bottle 12 .
  • Each bottle 12 contains a liquid substance.
  • the liquid substance is wine. More generally, the liquid substance is alcohol.
  • liquid substance is spirits.
  • the bottle 12 is a perfume bottle. In this situation, the bottle 12 is sometimes referred to as a flask.
  • the bottle 12 has a barrel 14 , a label 16 , a cap 18 and a chip 20 .
  • the barrel 14 is the main and largest part of the bottle 12 .
  • the barrel is sometimes referred to as the “body”.
  • the electronic chip 20 is referred to as “chip 20 ” in the following.
  • the chip 20 is visible and positioned on the barrel 14 , for example above the label 16 .
  • the chip 20 is adhesively bonded to the barrel 14 .
  • the chip 20 is present on a location other than the barrel 14 of the bottle 12 .
  • the chip 20 is invisible.
  • the chip 20 is positioned under the label 16 , under a back label (not visible in the figures) of the bottle 12 or under the sealing cap 18 .
  • a chip 20 refers to any electronic device (integrated circuit) that can store at least one piece of information and communicate with another device using a contactless communication protocol.
  • the chip 20 is a first wireless telecommunication means.
  • the chip 20 comprises a microprocessor (not shown in the figures) associated with an antenna (not shown in the figures) for signal exchange.
  • the microprocessor also has a memory for storing information.
  • the chip 20 is thus associated with information that the microprocessor memory stores.
  • the chip 20 stores in its memory at least one data item relating to the bottle 12 .
  • the data item relating to the bottle 12 is identification data for the bottle 12 .
  • the bottle 12 identification data includes a bottle 12 identifier, production site information, the vintage of the contents of the bottle 12 , the producer identifier, the nature of the contents of the bottle 12 i.e. whether the contents are a red wine, a white wine, a champagne, a whisky, etc., the name of the bottle 12 profile, data on the date and time of bottling, data on the date and time production ended, the tank from which the wine contained in the bottle 12 comes, identification data of the corker, the batch number of which the bottle 12 is part and/or information relating to the volume of the bottle 12 , i.e. the quantity of wine that the bottle 12 contains.
  • the chip 20 is an RFID (radio frequency identification) chip.
  • the chip 20 is capable of communicating according to the RFID communication protocol, which complies with the ISO 15693 standard.
  • the communication range is, for example, between 10 cm and 10 metres (m).
  • This communication protocol can also be referred to as a “UHF” communication protocol.
  • the acronym “UHF” stands for ultra high frequency.
  • the chip 20 is able to transmit or receive a signal with a frequency between 300 MHz and 3000 MHz.
  • the chip 20 is capable of communicating using an HF RFID communication protocol.
  • HF stands for high frequency.
  • the chip 20 is able to transmit or receive a signal with a frequency between 3 MHz and 30 MHz.
  • the reading distance of the chip 20 is less than 20 cm.
  • the chip 20 is suitable for operation in two different frequency ranges.
  • the chip 20 can be described as a dual-frequency chip 20 .
  • the chip 20 is then adapted to communicate in two distinct frequency ranges.
  • the chip 20 is adapted to communicate according to the HF communication protocol and/or the UHF communication protocol.
  • each chip 20 has a unique identifier that forms a data item for the chip 20 . Thus, no two chips 20 can have the same identifier. This identifier is stored in the memory of the chip 20 , for example, when the chip 20 is created.
  • the chip 20 is a rectangle 35 millimetres (mm) long by 20 mm wide. Nevertheless, the chip 20 is not limited to this geometry and can have variable dimensions and shapes (square, rectangular, round, etc.).
  • the facility 10 comprises a conveyor 22 and a device 24 for sorting a bottle 12 .
  • the conveyor 22 is configured to move the bottles 12 to be sorted.
  • the conveyor 22 comprises a conveyor belt 26 , a first path 28 and at least one second path 30 .
  • the conveyor belt 26 comprises a plurality of plates articulated to each other.
  • the conveyor belt 26 is configured to drive the bottles 12 at a constant speed, the so-called bottle driving speed 12 , in a driving direction called T, parallel to the longitudinal direction X.
  • the conveyor belt 26 is thus divided into a forward run 32 and a return run 34 .
  • the forward run 32 is movable in the driving direction T.
  • the return run 34 is movable in a direction opposite the driving direction T and is located below the forward run 32 .
  • the first path 28 corresponds to the forward run 32 of the conveyor belt 26 .
  • the first path 28 is therefore suitable for moving the bottles 12 in the driving direction T at the driving speed.
  • the first path 28 extends in a plane parallel to the plane X Y defined by the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y, and referred to hereafter as the “plane of the first path 28 ”.
  • the second path 30 is separate from the first path 28 .
  • the second path 30 is a branch of the first path 28 .
  • the second path 30 is perpendicular to the first path 28 .
  • the second path 30 has a bottom 36 and at least three sidewalls 38 for holding the bottles 12 .
  • the bottom 36 is flush with the forward run 32 of the conveyor belt 26 .
  • the retaining sidewalls 38 project from the bottom 36 .
  • the sorting device 24 is configured to sort a plurality of bottles 12 .
  • the sorting device 24 comprises a holder 40 , a bottle detector 42 , a trim unit 44 , a chip reader 46 , an arm 48 , a drive unit 50 for the arm 48 , a calculator 52 , a display unit 54 , a human-machine interface (HMI), and a visual indicator 56 .
  • a holder 40 a bottle detector 42 , a trim unit 44 , a chip reader 46 , an arm 48 , a drive unit 50 for the arm 48 , a calculator 52 , a display unit 54 , a human-machine interface (HMI), and a visual indicator 56 .
  • HMI human-machine interface
  • the sorting device 24 is described in the following in relation to a single bottle 12 .
  • the holder 40 has a parallelepiped shape.
  • the holder 40 is arranged at least partly under the conveyor 22 .
  • the holder 40 at least partly supports the other elements of the sorting device 24 .
  • the detector 42 is configured to detect the presence of the bottle 12 on the conveyor 22 .
  • the trim unit 44 is configured to deposit the chip 20 on the bottle 12 .
  • the trim unit 44 comprises a plurality of holders 58 and means for applying the chip 20 to the bottle 12 .
  • the chips 20 are initially releasably bonded to strips 60 supplied in roll form.
  • the plurality of holders 58 is configured to support and guide the strips 60 to the applicators.
  • the applicators comprise at least three rotating cylinders 62 and 64 .
  • positioning cylinders 62 are suitable for positioning the bottle 12 in a position in which the bottle 12 is positioned to receive the chip 20 .
  • the positioning cylinders 62 are rotatable about the vertical direction Z.
  • the third rotating cylinder 64 is configured to apply the chip 20 to the barrel 14 of the bottle 12 .
  • the application cylinder 64 is rotatable about the vertical direction Z.
  • the chip reader 46 is adapted to operate according to a communication protocol suitable for writing data relating to the bottle 12 into the chip memory 20 and reading the data stored in the chip memory 20 .
  • the communication protocol comprises at least either the UHF RFID communication protocol or the HF RFID communication protocol.
  • the chip reader 46 has an active mode of operation in which the chip reader 46 is capable of writing and/or reading the data stored in the chip memory 20 and an inactive mode of operation in which the reader 46 is not capable of writing and/or reading the data stored in the chip memory 20 .
  • the chip reader 46 is connected to the presence detector 42 .
  • the presence detector 42 is able to control the chip reader 46 in the active operating mode or in the inactive operating mode depending on the presence or absence of a bottle 12 on the conveyor 22 .
  • the arm 48 comprises at least one rod 66 (visible schematically in FIGS. 3 to 6 ) and has a distal end 68 .
  • the arm 48 has two rods 66 which can be moved in translation in the transverse direction Y, i.e. perpendicular to the driving direction T.
  • Each end of a rod 66 is provided with a contact element that touches the bottle 12 .
  • the distal end 68 of the arm 48 is formed by the two contact elements and is intended to be in contact with the bottle 12 .
  • the arm 48 is movable between a first position P 1 and at least a second guiding position P 2 .
  • the first position P 1 and the at least one second position P 2 are detailed with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6 .
  • These figures are schematic representations of a part of the facility 10 , in which the distal end 68 of the arm 48 is simplified and is represented by a circle.
  • the arm 48 is away from the first path 28 .
  • the arm 48 allows the bottles 12 to be driven on the first path 28 and is not likely to come into contact with the arm 48 .
  • the arm 48 is configured to have a plurality of second guide positions P 2 , hereafter referred to as “second positions P 2 ”.
  • a plurality of second positions P 2 of the arm 48 are illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6 .
  • Each second position P 2 is distinct from the first position P 1 .
  • each second position P 2 the arm 48 extends at least partially across the first path 28 in the transverse direction Y. Then, in the second position P 2 of the arm 48 , the orthogonal projection of the arm 48 in the plane of the first path 28 is located at least partly on the first path 28 . In particular, in the second position P 2 , the orthogonal projection of the distal end 68 of the arm 48 in the plane of the first path 28 is located at least partly on the first path 28 .
  • FIGS. 3 to 5 show the arm 48 in second intermediate positions, noted P 2 i .
  • each second intermediate position P 2 i the arm 48 extends partially over the first path 28 .
  • FIG. 6 shows a second position P 2 of the arm 48 which corresponds to the maximum extension of the arm 48 .
  • the position of maximum extension of arm 48 is noted as P 2 max .
  • the arm 48 extends across the entire first path 28 .
  • the orthogonal projection of the arm 48 in the plane of the first path 28 intercepts the entire width of the first path 28 .
  • the distal end 68 of the arm 48 is located at the interface between the first path 28 and the second path 30 .
  • the interface between the first path 28 and the second path 30 is shown as a dotted line in FIGS. 2 to 10 .
  • the reference P 2 is used to designate either an intermediate position P 2 i or the maximum extension position P 2 max .
  • the arm 48 is translatable along the transverse direction Y between the first position P 1 and the plurality of second positions P 2 to force the bottle 12 from the first path 28 to follow the second path 30 .
  • the arm 48 is configured to force the bottle 12 from the first path 28 to follow the second path 30 .
  • the arm 48 forms a pusher.
  • the drive unit 50 of the arm 48 comprises, for example, a housing 70 and an electric motor (not shown in the figures).
  • the housing 70 is attached to the holder 40 of the sorting device 24 .
  • the housing 70 is arranged outside the first path 28 .
  • the housing 70 at least partially accommodates the rods 66 .
  • the electric motor is configured to drive the arm 48 in translation relative to the housing 70 between the first position P 1 and the plurality of second positions P 2 .
  • the electric motor is housed in the housing 70 .
  • the arm 48 , the housing 70 , and the drive unit 50 form an electromechanical cylinder.
  • the calculator 52 has a memory (not shown in the figures).
  • the calculator 52 memory stores at least one database.
  • the calculator 52 stores a first database and a second database.
  • the first database comprises data relating to the bottles 12 .
  • the first database further comprises data relating to a number of bottles 12 , for example a number of bottles 12 in the order.
  • the first database is representative of an order of bottles 12 .
  • the second database stores data relating to the chip 20 , namely identifiers of the chips.
  • the data relating to the bottles 12 and the data relating to the chips 20 stored in the calculator 52 memory form predefined data.
  • the calculator 52 is adapted to compare the at least one data item read by the chip reader 46 with the predefined data to determine a defective state of the chip 20 or a valid state of the chip 20 .
  • the calculator 52 is adapted to output a control law L of the arm 48 controlling the position of the arm 48 .
  • the control law L of the arm 48 depends on the data read from the memory of the chip 20 .
  • the control law L is the output of a function, denoted f, stored in a memory of the calculator 52 .
  • the function f associates with inputs E an output, i.e. the control law L.
  • the inputs E to the function f comprise at least the state of the chip 20 , i.e. the valid state or defective state of the chip 20 .
  • the control law L of the arm 48 therefore depends on the defective or valid state of the chip 20 .
  • a defective state of the chip 20 may correspond to a broken chip 20 .
  • a defective state of the chip 20 corresponds to a bad connection between the antenna and the microprocessor of the chip 20 .
  • a defective state corresponds to an unknown identifier of the chip 20 in the second database.
  • the determination of the defective state and valid state of the chip 20 by the calculator 52 will be explained with reference to the sorting method.
  • the valid state of the chip 20 is defined as opposed to the defective state.
  • the function f takes as input E at least one of the following input parameters:
  • the control law L gives the position of arm 48 over time.
  • the position of the arm 48 is a set of coordinates of the arm 48 in the reference frame X, Y, Z.
  • the position of the arm 48 is, for example, the position of the distal end 68 of the arm 48 .
  • the function f is such that when the chip 20 has a defective state, the position of the distal end 68 of the arm 48 is different from the position P 1 .
  • the position of the distal end 68 of the arm 48 over time comprises positions P 2 , each position P 2 i , P 2 max being time-dependent.
  • the function f is also such that when the chip 20 is in the valid state, the position of the distal end 68 of the arm 48 is equal to the first position P 1 .
  • the function f is a function integrating at least one other input E from the list of input parameters defined above.
  • the function f comprises, in addition to the state of the chip 20 as an input E, at least one other input E such as the weight of the bottle 12 .
  • the function f is, for example, such that the greater the weight of the bottle 12 , the greater the power of the electric motor driving the arm 48 .
  • the function f comprises, in addition to the state of the chip 20 as input E, the speed of the bottles 12 .
  • the function f is then such that the higher the speed at which the bottles 12 are being driven on the conveyor 22 , the higher the speed of the electric motor driving the arm 48 .
  • control law L also controls the configuration of the visual indicator 56 over time.
  • the display unit 54 comprises a touch screen. In this case, the display unit 54 and the HMI interface are merged.
  • the display unit 54 comprises a non-touch screen.
  • the HMI interface comprises, for example, a keyboard.
  • the indicator 56 comprises, in this case, a light source (not shown in the figures).
  • the indicator 56 has at least a first configuration and a second configuration.
  • the indicator 56 is representative of the first position P 1 of the arm 48 .
  • the light sources are switched off.
  • the indicator 56 is representative of the arm 48 in the second position P 2 .
  • the light sources are lit or flashing.
  • the control law L of the arm 48 is suitable to also control the indicator 56 in either configuration.
  • indicator 56 is a visual indicator but, alternatively, indicator 56 could be a sound indicator.
  • the bottle 12 sorting method is described in relation to a single bottle 12 but is repeated for each other bottle 12 in the corresponding order.
  • the arm 48 is in the first position P 1 as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • a bottle 12 is positioned on the forward run 32 of the conveyor belt 26 of the conveyor 22 , i.e. on the first path 28 .
  • the forward run 32 drives the bottle 12 in the driving direction T.
  • the detector 42 detects the bottle 12 .
  • the detector 12 activates the chip reader 46 in the active operating mode.
  • the bottle 12 then arrives at the trim unit 44 .
  • the two positioning cylinders 62 position the bottle 12 into the position for receiving the chip 20 .
  • the application cylinder 64 applies the chip 20 to the barrel 14 of the bottle 12 above the label 16 .
  • the bottle 12 arrives in front of the chip reader 46 .
  • the chip reader 46 writes to the memory of the chip 20 the information about the bottle 12 that is listed in the first database for that bottle 12 .
  • the chip reader 46 After writing to the chip 20 , the chip reader 46 reads the written data relating to the bottle 12 and the chip 20 identifier stored in the chip 20 memory.
  • the calculator 52 compares the data read for the bottle 12 with the data in the first database for that bottle 12 and the chip 20 identifier with the data in the second database.
  • a defective state of the chip 20 of that bottle 12 is determined.
  • the read data different from the stored predefined data correspond for example to at least one of the following characteristics: No read data, incomplete read data, unknown chip 20 identifier.
  • the calculator 52 determines a defective state of the chip 20 .
  • the calculator 52 outputs the control law L of the arm 48 .
  • the control law L is the output of the function f which takes as input E at least the defective state of the chip 20 .
  • the function f comprises at least one other input from the previously defined list of input parameters.
  • the calculator 52 then outputs the control law L of the arm 48 which is a function of the defective state of the chip 20 .
  • the control law L gives the plurality of second positions P 2 and the position P 1 of the arm 48 as a function of time.
  • control law L gives the plurality of intermediate positions P 2 i and the maximum extension position P 2 max as a function of time.
  • the control law L then controls the arm 48 in translation along the transverse direction Y from the first position P 1 in a plurality of second intermediate positions P 2 i (visible in FIGS. 3 to 5 ) to the maximum extension position P max (visible in FIG. 6 ).
  • each second position P 2 the arm 48 forces the bottle 12 from the first path 48 to follow the second path 30 .
  • the distal end 68 of the arm 48 is in contact with the bottle 12 .
  • control law L controls the return of the arm 48 to the first position P 1 (visible in FIGS. 1 and 2 ).
  • control law L further comprises the control of the visual indicator 56 in the second configuration. Then the control law L controls the lighting of the light sources of the visual indicator 56 .
  • the calculator 52 determines a valid state of the chip 20 .
  • the calculator 52 then outputs a control law L which is the output of the function f taking at least as input E the valid state of the chip 20 .
  • the control law L depends on the valid state of the chip 20 .
  • the control law L delivers the position of the arm 48 in the first position P 1 . Then the control law L keeps the arm 48 in the first position P 1 . In this case, the arm 48 remains in the first position P 1 away from the first path 28 .
  • the control law L also controls the visual indicator 56 in the first configuration. Thus, the control law L keeps the light sources of the visual indicator 56 switched off.
  • the number of bottles 12 stored in the first database is decremented by one bottle 12 .
  • the sorting device 24 therefore allows for controlled, optimal oversight of the distributor's or retailer's order.
  • the chips 20 are automatically checked and the sorting device 24 allows the bottles 12 to be sorted by eliminating the bottles 12 with a defective chip 20 .
  • the sorting device 24 therefore allows accelerated checking of the bottles 12 fitted with chips 20 , by dispensing with a particularly long and tedious manual check of the bottles.
  • the sorting device 24 allows the number of bottles 12 in the order to be checked automatically. In particular, this avoids errors in the counting of bottles 12 .
  • the sorting device 24 therefore allows the bottles 12 to be crated quickly while ensuring the validity of the chips 20 carried by the bottles 12 .
  • the chip reader 46 is not able to write to the memory of the chip 20 .
  • the sorting device 24 may not include a trim unit 44 .
  • the bottles 12 are initially provided with the chip 20 storing the data relating to the bottle 12 and the chip 20 before passing into the sorting device 24 .
  • the sorting method differs from the previously described sorting method in that it does not comprise a step of writing to the chip 20 .
  • the sorting device 24 further comprises a code reader.
  • the bottle 12 comprises, in addition to the electronic chip 20 , a bar code or square code, representative of one or more additional information relating to the bottle 12 .
  • the code reader is able to read the or each additional information.
  • the code reader is, for example, connected to the chip reader 46 .
  • the code reader is arranged upstream of the chip reader 46 in the direction of travel T on the first path 28 .
  • the sorting method differs from the previously described sorting method in that it comprises, prior to the chip reader 46 reading the data stored in the chip 20 , the reading of additional information relating to the bottle 12 .
  • the chip reader 46 when the bottle 12 comes in front of the chip reader 46 , the chip reader 46 writes the information about the chip 20 into the memory of the chip 20 and the additional information read.
  • the sorting device 24 further comprises a second chip reader.
  • the second chip reader is, for example, a manual reader.
  • the chip reader is a personal digital assistant (PDA).
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • the sorting process differs from the previously described sorting method in that it comprises reading the chip 20 using the second chip reader.
  • the second chip reader can, for example, read chips 20 positioned on larger bottles 12 that the chip reader 46 described in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 would not be able to read.
  • FIGS. 7 to 10 Yet another embodiment of the sorting device 24 is described in the following with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10 . This embodiment is described only in contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6 .
  • the only difference is the arm 48 and the drive unit 50 of the arm 48 .
  • the arm 48 is rotatable about the vertical direction Z.
  • the arm 48 has a barrier 72 , for example, of parallelepiped shape.
  • the barrier 72 projects from the first path 28 and the bottom 36 of the second path 30 .
  • the barrier 72 has two sides.
  • one of the side faces is intended to be in contact with the bottle 12 .
  • the position of the arm 48 is, for example, marked by the position of the free end of the barrier 72 in the reference frame X, Y, Z.
  • the barrier 72 is away from the first path 28 .
  • the barrier 72 is located in the second path 30 .
  • the orthogonal projection of the arm 48 in the plane of the first path 28 is located outside the first path 28 .
  • the arm 48 is configured to have a plurality of second positions P 2 .
  • a plurality of second positions P 2 are illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10 .
  • Each second position P 2 is distinct from the first position P 1 .
  • the arm 48 extends at least partially across the first path 28 .
  • the orthogonal projection of the barrier 72 in the plane of the first path 28 is located at least partly on the first path 28 .
  • FIG. 8 shows arm 48 in the P 2 max position of maximum extension.
  • the P 2 max position of maximum extension corresponds to the maximum rotation angle of the arm 48 from the first position P 1 .
  • the arm 48 extends across the entire first path 28 .
  • the arm 48 is configured to force the bottle 12 from the first path 28 to follow the second path 30 .
  • the arm 48 is movable between the first position P 1 and the maximum rotational position P 2 max through a plurality of second intermediate positions P 2 i .
  • Housing 70 houses the electric motor.
  • the housing 70 is arranged in the second path 30 , away from the first and second paths 28 .
  • the electric motor (not shown in the figures) is configured to drive the arm 48 in rotation about the vertical axis Z.
  • the sorting method is described in contrast to the sorting method described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10 .
  • the arm 48 is in the first position P 1 .
  • the calculator 52 determines a defective state of the chip 20 .
  • the calculator 52 outputs the control law L.
  • the control law L is the output of the function f which takes at least as input the defective state of the chip 20 .
  • the output control law L gives the position of the arm 48 in the plurality of second positions P 2 over time.
  • control law L gives the position of the arm in the maximum extension position P 2 max and the plurality of intermediate positions P 2 i as a function of time.
  • the arm 48 is first rotated to the maximum extension position P 2 max .
  • the bottle 12 with the defective chip 20 driven on the first path 28 comes into contact with the barrier 72 of the arm 48 and is blocked by the arm 48 .
  • the arm 48 is rotated through the plurality of intermediate second positions P 2 i ( FIGS. 9 and 10 ) to the first position P 1 to force the bottle 12 to follow the second path 30 .
  • the arm 48 forces the bottle 12 onto the second path 30 .
  • the arm 48 forms a shunter.
  • the sorting device 24 thus allows, with easy implementation, an increase in the capacity to crate the containers 12 and an acceleration of the checking of the container orders.
  • the sorting device 24 by means of the sorting device 24 , the containers 12 to be crated for an order with defective chips 20 are sorted automatically, thus saving considerable time and freeing up manpower for other tasks.

Landscapes

  • Sorting Of Articles (AREA)
  • Discharge Of Articles From Conveyors (AREA)
US17/597,331 2019-07-03 2020-07-03 Device for sorting a container, and associated facility and method Pending US20220314282A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1907390A FR3098131B1 (fr) 2019-07-03 2019-07-03 Dispositif de tri d’un conteneur, installation et procédé associés
FRFR1907390 2019-07-03
PCT/EP2020/068882 WO2021001554A1 (fr) 2019-07-03 2020-07-03 Dispositif de tri d'un conteneur, installation et procédé associés

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US20220314282A1 true US20220314282A1 (en) 2022-10-06

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US (1) US20220314282A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP3993916A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN114144265A (fr)
FR (1) FR3098131B1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2021001554A1 (fr)

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US9511910B2 (en) * 2014-04-24 2016-12-06 Wine Father Inc. Intelligent wine capsule
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FR3059448A1 (fr) * 2016-11-29 2018-06-01 Wid Systeme de gestion, installation et procede de montage associes
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US4253573A (en) * 1979-08-03 1981-03-03 The Mead Corporation Apparatus for handling empty beverage containers
GB2065869A (en) * 1979-12-14 1981-07-01 Gkn Sankey Ltd Marking and sorting containers
US20040133484A1 (en) * 2003-01-08 2004-07-08 Kreiner Barrett M. Radio-frequency tags for sorting post-consumption items
US7896151B2 (en) * 2008-04-04 2011-03-01 Krones Ag Method and apparatus for combining and aligning packing unit groups
US9511910B2 (en) * 2014-04-24 2016-12-06 Wine Father Inc. Intelligent wine capsule
US9789517B2 (en) * 2015-02-10 2017-10-17 Veolia Environnement—Ve Selective sorting method
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CN114144265A (zh) 2022-03-04
FR3098131B1 (fr) 2022-10-21
WO2021001554A1 (fr) 2021-01-07
FR3098131A1 (fr) 2021-01-08
EP3993916A1 (fr) 2022-05-11

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